Pedalling Along

This started as a fitness ride, but turned into an exploring ride before dark.  Near Lisburn is McCormick Road, which runs along side of the Yellow Breeches for a bit.  I had noted that it looks like a great spot to lay along the bank or go for a swim on a hot day.  This shot is taken from an old one-lane stone bridge about a mile off of Andersontown Road.  The banks are grassy and shaded by the trees:

Once I crossed the bridge I went off course to explore the narrow paved road that I thought might head back, but only on the other side.  It started out as flat and very scenic, but sooned turned decidedly up hill.  It got narrower and a little rougher, then eventually smoothed out to reveal the only house along the whole road.  The middle structure appears to be original, the two additions are currently under construction.  I’m guessing this place to be between 6-7000 square feet.  Must be nice to have the township build you a half mile long driveway:

Once I got done grinding to the top of the hill, I figured out where I was and turned towards home.  Up over another hill, and I found this:

The flag had to be around 10′ by 15′, suspended by a cable over the road.

Further down the road, I came across this guy.  According to my son, it has been there a while, but I never noticed it before.  Probably because I usually ride through the intersection coming from a different direction and turn away from it.  He stands about 15′ tall.  The local high school is Red Land; and their mascot is the Patriot.

Halfway through the ride I started getting concerned about a clicking coming from my bottom bracket.  On every pedal stroke I’d get a single or double click.  I couldn’t find anything, but according to Park’s site, I should take a look at my pedal bearings before getting excited.  I test that tonight.

But worse is the fact that I wore a pair of lycra shorts, and rode the hills hard in the humid heat.  This morning I have a nagging saddle sore that I’ll need to nurse this week.  I should have known better.

Misc. Miles: 3.7

Distance: 19.3 miles  2008: 789.7

Despite the steady drizzle, I wanted to ride down to Rudy Park to see if it is suitable for family rides.  We had tried to stop by once, but could not get in because of a balloon fest, but I noticed that the Heritage Trail extension is completed right next to the park.

I took the Wago Road down to Mount Wolf, and then south into Emigsville.  Traffic was pretty light all morning.  Just before the park is this big quarry operation.

Also on the way to the entrance, you can spot the Heritage Trail on the right.  It’s almost like a bike lane.

Once in the park, there is a paved path that circles the expansive area.  I think because of the rise and the lay of the land, its more suited for walking than biking.  Bikes will just get going too fast to be safe with pedestrians all over.  Just as well, because I also think that the hills would be a bit steep for smaller kids on bikes.  Up at the top of the park is this BMX track.  I remember a few years ago one of my friends was into this for a season…until he broke his collarbone.

Here is where the Heritage Trail starts:

It winds its way along a creek and around some properties for about a mile and one-half.  Again, its completely paved, and the winding turns mean holding down the speed, mainly to avoid another bike that might be coming from the other direction.  Still, its very scenic.

And then the trail ends…

The sign says that plans are afoot to extend the trail another two miles to Route 30 in 2009.

For the ride home, I took a slightly different route into Manchester, and then over to the Susquehanna Trail at Strinestown.  I’m still not used to grinding up those hills from the Conowago Creek.  I’ve been playing around with the tension on my saddle, and I think I noticed a slight improvement today.

Anyway, Rudy Park: great spot, not recommended for biking.  Heritage Trail northern extension: nice paved surface, keep down the speed.

Misc. Miles: 5.6

Distance: 38.7 miles  2008: 766.7

I did a little research and found out that The Bicycle Man is actually the brother of a woman I know.  Given where I’ve seen him the most, I guessed at where he lives, which is right down the street from where she lives.  Since I saw her last weekend, I came right out and asked “Who is the Bicycle Man?”

His name is Tom and he is a little “emotional” at times, although he is better than he used to be.  Some days are better than others.  He has a job locally, and is obsessive about exercise.  If you saw him, you’d see that he is pretty lean.

Anyway, either I passed him on a “good day” or perhaps he is a bit more sociable with other cyclists.  Next time I’ll give him a “hello Tom”…   baby steps.

Nice ride around the township under the lights.  In some spots, where the trees line the road and there are fields/woods on either side, all those little noises can creep you out!  But it is way cool.

Distance: 13.1 miles  2008: 722.4

Convinced the fam to get some exercise.  Loaded up and did a nice little ride on the HRT.  I took the Cannondale and was pleased how it handled, although the foam in the 20 year old Avocet saddle is rapidly deteriorating.

This weekend I hope to ride down to Rudy Park to see what kind of bike trails they have available there.  It might also prove to be a good family-friendly location.  BTW: The HRT was packed with riders.

Distance: 6.6 miles  2008: 709.3

I was a little dubious when I saw the announcement for this.  First because it was scheduled during Friday Happy Hour, which can get pretty rowdy along North 2nd Street.  Second because of the reputation CM has developed in other cities where its more “anti-car” and “anti-traffic laws” than it is pro-bike.

But from the description, it was a well managed event that will hopefully raise bicycle awareness and advocacy in a city that is seeing ever increasing bicycle traffic.  Here is a link to pics and dialog.